Education

University of Oregon, Eugene
Doctorate (Ph.D.) Counseling Psychology

CA License: PSY22980

California State University, Los Angeles
B.A., Psychology

My Heart & Soul

I am a mother of young children and know the joy and struggle of mothering particularly while negotiating a professional identity. I have made difficult career choices (admittedly because I have the privilege to do so) to create a new path that allows me to be my authentic self as a mother, spouse, professional and therapist. I identify as Chicana and believe that social justice and eco-consciousness are a necessity for the wellness of individuals, communities and mother earth. I am indebted to my family and committed to supporting our Latinx and BIPOC’s communities. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Professional Journey

I have been practicing since 2007 providing services in English and Spanish. I work from a trauma informed approach and am passionate about helping individuals heal through reclaiming their power. I attempt to support healing and wellness by facilitating an understanding of the impact of power, oppression and intersecting identities. I am committed to decolonization and liberation through healing and education and integrating cultural spiritual healing practices when culturally relevant and appropriate. I ascribe to a practitioner-scholar model and my interventions are guided by current research, client individual factors and client’s experiences as well as client’s cultural and ancestral wisdom.

My clinical experiences (please see areas of specialty) are varied with areas of specialty in trauma, including racial trauma, spirituality, identity exploration, women’s concerns, maternal mental health and grief and loss. I have vast experience working with individuals throughout the developmental lifespan with a focus on adults. For 11 years (2007-2018) I worked with a diverse college population at a local community college, and developed a specialization in working with young adults, particularly students of color, first generation college students, immigrant and LGBTQ students.

I have been involved in the field of psychology in various roles. I am actively involved in training and development of future clinicians in the capacity of clinical supervisor, training development, presenter and professor. Currently, I serve as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University where I have taught graduate level Multicultural Psychology and Spanish Language Skills in Therapy. I am also a clinical supervisor in the Aliento, The Center for Latina/o Communities at Pepperdine University. I am passionate about training future clinicians to be socioculturally conscious and responsive while holding their client’s humanity at the core of their work.

I have been active in organizational psychology and served in the role of President, for the California Latina/o Psychological Association (CLPA) and as the Newsletter Editor and Award’s Chair for Section III: Concerns of Hispanic Women/Latinas in Division 35, Psychology for the Society of Women, APA (American Psychological Association).